Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded three issues related to service connection for hernia condition, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's cervical spine, C5-C6 fusion surgery performed by VA in December 2014 did not result in an additional disability that is proximately due to carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment or other instance of fault on the part of VA.

The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, respiratory disorders other than asthma including chronic cough, COPD and RAD, and sleep apnea syndromes are reopened. The claim of service connection for a thoracic spine disorder (secondary to right shoulder disability), a cervical spine disorder (secondary to right shoulder disability), chronic fatigue syndrome (secondary to sleep apnea syndromes), and migraines (secondary to cervical spine disorder) is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's neck disability and its relationship to his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives regarding service connection for a cervical spine disability. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is being reviewed again, and new medical opinions are needed.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cervical spine, lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee conditions have been granted. Service connection has also been established for PTSD, but the claim is denied. The effective date of service connection for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorder remains February 5, 2018.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA assistance and need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine, cervical spine, right hip, left hip, right knee, and left knee disabilities are being remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to service.,New evidence has been submitted that raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims for thoracolumbar spine, cervical spine, right hip, left hip, right knee, and left knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that new VA examinations are needed for the Veteran's spine and nerve disabilities due to a worsening of symptoms since his last examination. The TDIU claim is deferred until these examinations are completed.

The Board denied service connection for low back and cervical spine disorders, finding no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical DDD and left knee DJD have been denied. The case is REMANDED to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinions. The claims will be further developed, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, National Guard personnel records, and conducting additional examinations.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, cervical degenerative disc disease and facet and uncinate arthrosis involving C5-C5 and C6-C7, and chronic post-traumatic headache have been dismissed as freestanding claims.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, cervical degenerative disc disease, and chronic post-traumatic headache remain pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus and cervical spine disability due to conflicting medical evidence regarding their onset during service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disability and its relationship to service, service-connected bilateral shoulder disability, or any other relevant factors. The Veteran will need to provide additional evidence from private providers and a VA opinion is needed to clarify the nature and etiology of his cervical spine disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder, right hand, back, neck, and residuals of a fractured left eye socket with bone graft disabilities as they are not shown to be related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine, right knee, radiculopathy, and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy disabilities due to inadequate examination opinions. The Veteran's service-connected low back disability is alleged as a potential cause.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and new evidence, requiring a new VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's cervical spine condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder, cervical spine, and respiratory disabilities due to insufficient information regarding their onset and continuity with active duty service.